Illinois GOP Chairman Resigns After Backing Gay Marriage

Party chair Pat Brady resigned on Tuesday after a months long opposition campaign by his fellow Illinois Republicans, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Brady created a stir earlier this year when he came out in support for gay marriage legislation currently pending in the state legislature. The announcement divided the party and resulted in a tense meeting in April where about 50 members demanded Brady step down.

“I think there are people in the party who don’t necessarily agree with me, but the point is …. we’re a party that welcomes all ideas,” Brady said in April. “You don’t have to be exactly a platform Republican to be welcome in the party, and that’s the direction we’re taking the party.”

State Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine has been floated as a potential replacement, according to the Tribune.